Area Briefs

December 14, 2005|STAFF REPORTS

Sheriff's department warns of bank scam

The Marshall County Sheriff's department is warning residents of a recent telephone scam. The scam consisted of a telephone call to the victim claiming to be a local bank telling the victim that their checking account numbers had been posted on the Internet. The caller then requested their account numbers with a promise to remove them from the Internet. In a press release, the sheriff's department is reminding all residents to not give any information over the phone. For more information, contact your local financial institution or the sheriff's department at (574) 936-3187. SOUTH BEND

Former bank employee enters plea agreement

A plea agreement has been entered in federal court for a former employee at First National Bank of Monterey in North Judson accused of theft and embezzlement charges. Court documents filed Dec. 9 indicate Randall E. Howard, a branch manager for the bank, admitted to creating fraudulent loans. Court records state he also originated legitimate loans but took loan proceeds. And court records reveal Howard adjusted the percentage of interest customers were to pay after the customers "executed the loan document." Howard said he "used the proceeds from these activities for my personal use," according to court documents. Howard faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.